Normani Signs to Keep Cool/RCA Records

Normani is going solo. The Fifth Harmony singer-songwriter has signed a deal with Keep Cool/RCA Records.

The 21-year-old becomes the first artist signed to Keep Cool, led by RCA Executive Vice President of A&R, Tunji Balogun. Normani is currently in the studio working on her debut album, which Balogun will A&R.

“I’m so incredibly grateful to be able to be in a place where I can explore myself as an artist and what I’m capable of,” said Normani in a statement. “Never in a million years did I think I would be in this position in 2018. Everyone has been so supportive and patient, thank you so much to my fans for giving me the opportunity. I’m so thankful to my girls that we created this space among ourselves to explore and branch out creatively. Fifth Harmony has always been and will always be home. I’d like to say thank you to Tunji and Peter for believing in the vision that I have for myself as an artist. I’m appreciative for their commitment and perseverance.”

Balogun shared his excitement about his new signee. “Normani is a dynamic, multi-talented young woman with vibrant energy and a powerful spirit,” he said. “We are extremely excited to welcome her into the RCA family and I’m honored to announce her as the first artist signed to Keep Cool. We are all looking forward to watching Normani thrive and flourish as we create incredible music and unforgettable moments together.”

In February, Normani teamed up with Khalid on their Love, Simon soundtrack duet “Love Lies,” which debuted at No. 43 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to a press release, the song is a sonic and stylistic representation of Normani’s future musical direction.

Last month, Normani and her fellow Fifth Harmony bandmates, Lauren Jauregui, Ally Brooke, and Dinah Jane, announced that they were taking a hiatus to pursue solo careers.

“After six years going hard, non stop, we also realized that in order to stay authentic to ourselves and to you, we do need to take some time for now to go on a hiatus from Fifth Harmony in order to pursue solo endeavors,” the group said in a joint statement.

Camila Cabello was the first member of 5H to go solo with her debut album Camila, which opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.